Daqian Martial Saint

”Hereby, it is decreed: Chen Ping’an, Outer Trade Road Patrol Deputy Envoy of the Long’an Trade Route, has since his induction been dutiful, diligent, and loyal, repeatedly earning great merit. In the battle to encircle and suppress the Celestial Net Sect stronghold, he was a master strategist, both wise and valiant. He personally led an elite force deep into the lion’s den, destroying the Celestial Net Sect stronghold in a single blow, eliminating its remnants, and bringing peace to the region. His achievements are immense; he is a true pillar of the Garrison Commandant’s Office.

Rewards and punishments are the bedrock of our nation, the very foundation of faith and justice. Upon review by the Weishui Garrison and with the approval of the Canglong Province Garrison Command, Chen Ping’an is hereby promoted to Outer Trade Road Patrol Envoy of the Long’an Trade Route, with the rank of Standard Commander Level. This is to reward his loyalty and to inspire his future endeavors. May Commander Chen stay true to his principles, continue to strive, and live up to all expectations!”

”Regarding the encirclement of the Celestial Net Church, all constables of the Five Peaks Mountain Residence, from top to bottom, worked in concert. United by a common foe, they overcame the Celestial Net, swept away the villains, and brought peace to the region. In this operation, everyone worked together with seamless coordination. They fought as brothers-in-arms and defended as a single bulwark. Their courage is commendable, their spirit admirable. What is especially praiseworthy is that even after the siege was concluded, the constables did not dare to slacken in the slightest...

To recognize their merit, upon review by the Weishui Garrison and at the direction of the Dispatching Bureau, the following meritorious constables are promoted: Standard-Bearer You Yongming...”

”...”

The training grounds of the Five Peaks Mountain Residence were filled with constables. On a high platform at the very front, a middle-aged man clad in Fish Scale Armor held an Imperial Decree and read it aloud.

The constables present had excited expressions. Each time they heard a familiar name, a new wave of excitement washed over them. Having the commendations from the Weishui Garrison announced publicly was, without a doubt, a thrilling moment!

Chen Ping’an stood at the very front, listening quietly to the appointments being read from above.

’It’s been such a long wait, but it wasn’t in vain. The Weishui Garrison has finally given me the answer I wanted.’

’Promotion to Outer Trade Road Patrol Envoy of the Long’an Trade Route, at the Standard Commander Level! This appointment isn’t bad at all; it’s in line with my expectations.’

Besides him, many others at the Five Peaks Mountain Residence also benefited. Some Standard-Bearers received commendations and were granted Merit, while some Xiaoqi and constables were promoted.

As the commendations and appointments were announced one by one, the spirits of the crowd soared higher and higher.

The man announcing from the high platform was a Special Envoy from the Weishui Garrison. He was also an old acquaintance of Chen Ping’an’s: Zhao Lianzhi, the head of the Weishui Garrison’s Dispatching Bureau.

When he had first taken up his post at the Five Peaks Mountain Residence, it was Zhao Lianzhi who had received him. He never thought that after all this time, more than two months later, they would meet again in such a setting.

Back then, Chen Ping’an had been a rank below him, but now they were on equal footing.

”’These appointments and commendations are effective immediately and will be announced throughout the commandery and to the local Governor’s Offices, so that all may know!’” Amidst roaring cheers, Zhao Lianzhi quickly finished his announcement.

Beaming, he descended from the high platform and walked over to Chen Ping’an.

”Commander Chen, congratulations!”

”’I have Lord Zhao to thank for this,’” Chen Ping’an said with a slight smile, clasping his hands in salute.

”’Commander Chen, you truly are young and accomplished. Your last promotion feels like it was just yesterday, and now you’ve been promoted again. It’s enough to make me green with envy!’” Zhao Lianzhi’s smile was brilliant. His attitude was unnaturally friendly, far exceeding the typical courtesy between colleagues.

To be honest, the speed of Chen Ping’an’s promotions had truly shocked him!

’Candidate for Commander, Deputy Commander, Commander-in-Chief... How long had it been? He had already reached this stage.’

’Most importantly, by earning this merit, he has already entered the sights of the Canglong Province Garrison Command. His future prospects are simply limitless!’

When faced with a young, accomplished, and limitlessly potential colleague of equal rank, he didn’t need anyone to tell him how to act. As a seasoned veteran of the Garrison Commandant’s Office, he naturally knew what to do.

”’It was just a stroke of luck! Nothing to be envious of,’” Chen Ping’an said with a smile, waving his hand dismissively.

His attitude, combined with the reality of the situation, gave off an air of intangible, effortless flexing.

”’HAHAHAHA... Commander Chen, you truly are humble and modest. It’s something I should reflect on and learn from,’” Zhao Lianzhi praised. ”’You are truly worthy of being the pride of our Weishui, a prodigy from the Rising Star Chart!’”

Faced with Zhao Lianzhi’s almost fawning words, Chen Ping’an simply smiled and didn’t reply.

’In the end, how others treat you depends entirely on you.’

After a few simple exchanges, Chen Ping’an made an offer.

”Lord Zhao, you must be weary from your journey. Why not stay for a simple meal at the residence?”

To this, Zhao Lianzhi naturally had no objection.

Although it was called a ”simple meal,” for men of their station, that was merely a turn of phrase. In reality, all sorts of delicacies were brought to the table, one plate after another.

During the meal, wine cups were raised and the atmosphere was exceptionally warm. With Zhao Lianzhi making a conscious effort, the two got along splendidly. In the process, he revealed quite a bit of intelligence to Chen Ping’an.

”’Commander Chen, with this recent merit, you’ve caught the eye of the State Garrison Command. As far as I know, you’ve been placed on the observation list as a Candidate for Commander-in-Chief!’”

”’This incident with the Celestial Net Sect stronghold exposed many problems. The Five Peaks Mountain City Commander did nothing, and the Garrison Commandant’s Office is already considering his demotion. Based on future plans, it’s highly likely that the burden of Five Peaks Mountain City will fall to you, Commander Chen! However, the burden of the commander of White Stone City will probably be given to someone else!’”

”’As for the matter of you, Commander Chen, executing a Standard-Bearer of the residence on the spot—the Capital Envoy and several Vice Envoys have already discussed it. As the saying goes, military intelligence is urgent and brooks no delay. In an emergency, one must act with expediency. What you did, Commander Chen, was absolutely correct! On this matter, the Lord Governor has already made a final judgment in public, leaving no room for questioning!’”

”...”

Zhao Lianzhi continued to divulge similar pieces of information, one after another.

”’Hahaha, I must be drunk, I’ve spoken too much! Hahaha, come, Commander Chen, let’s keep drinking!’” Zhao Lianzhi said, laughing as he raised his wine cup.

His eyes were perfectly clear, without the slightest hint of intoxication.

The so-called drunken words were merely a pretext for leaking this information.

By the end of the meal, the two had grown considerably closer.

’That’s just how it is when you’re navigating the system. There are no permanent enemies, only temporary friends, as long as there is mutual value to be gained.’

As they parted, Chen Ping’an discreetly slipped several silver notes to Zhao Lianzhi. Zhao Lianzhi smiled and politely refused a few times but ultimately accepted them.

Zhao Lianzhi, acting as the Special Envoy for the Weishui Garrison, had come specifically to announce the appointments and commendations, and had also revealed a great deal of information to Chen Ping’an. It was only natural for Chen Ping’an to return the courtesy.

Neither he nor Zhao Lianzhi was in need of a few silver notes. But the gesture represented his attitude.

It also signified that the two had reached a preliminary understanding.

For some time to come, whenever Zhao Lianzhi learned of something, he would now pass the news along at an appropriate moment.

For Chen Ping’an, this was certainly a good thing.

’Having a pair of eyes and ears inside the Weishui Garrison is, after all, better than having none.’

On the other hand, for Zhao Lianzhi, this was a preliminary step in befriending Chen Ping’an—it was like placing a bet on him.

One day in the future, it might yield an unexpected return.

On one hand, he maintained a basic alignment with Liu Yuanhua, avoiding any conflict. On the other, he was secretly building a good relationship with Chen Ping’an.

He managed to not offend either side.

Within the system, for someone with neither personal ability nor a powerful background, managing not to offend either side was already the best possible choice.

Of course, for now, this was as far as he could go. Later, if the relationship between Chen Ping’an and Liu Yuanhua deteriorated further, he would have no choice but to gradually up his stakes and pick a side.

Zhao Lianzhi’s cleverness lay in the fact that he had already prepared an escape route for himself. He could adjust his strategy at any time, should the winds of change shift.

’Indeed, no one who could climb to his position in the Weishui Garrison was a simple character.’